Mention swine flu to a young child a few months ago, and odds were pretty good you’ll get a confused stare. But an increasing number of kids are following new classroom and day care etiquettes to keep the virus at bay. That means taking common sense steps like washing hands after they blow their nose and turning the water faucet off by using a paper towel.

Many children know that a squirt of liquid soap can keep their hands clean, while others take their cue from the ever-red, ever popular Sesame Street character “Elmo,” who sneezes – as he should – into his elbow. Jean Afzali, the coordinator of health services in Weymouth public schools, has noticed that elementary school children are coughing into their elbow more frequently than in years past.

At Jack ‘n’ Jill Child Care Center in Marina Bay, children understand flu-prevention habits so well that they are reminding their own parents to use hand sanitizer before they enter the day care, Executive Vice President Kelley Joyce said.

“Kids are the key,” Joyce said. “They are the ones keeping us in line.”

Preschoolers thoughts on the virus and how to stay healthy

They may not know how to read, write or add. But even preschoolers at Jack ‘n’ Jill Child Care in Quincy – and elsewhere – know about the H1N1 flu and how to keep it at bay.

“After you sneeze, handwashing gets rid of germs.”

– Abigail Newton, 5, of Quincy

“My momma told me to sing 'happy birthday' while I wash my hands.”

– Isabel Ginns, 5, of Quincy

“After you pick your nose, wash your hands.”

– Marcus Moore, 5, of Randolph

“Shut off the faucet with soap on your hands.”

– Luke Mordas, 4, of Quincy

“Cough into your elbow.”

– Kyleecq Fennelly, 3, of Weymouth

“Wash your hands before you eat a snack.”

– Abigail Soifer, 3 of Quincy

“Swine flu is pig flu.”

– Rosa Carter, 4, of Quincy

“When washing your hands, count to until at least 10.”

– Enzo Vallee, 5, of Quincy

"Make sure to scrub all over your hands and between your nails to prevent swine flu.”